Manchester City Begin Premier League 2014/15 Title Defence Against Newcastle United

Manchester City will begin the defence of their Premier League crown against Newcastle United at St James' Park.

Louis van Gaal will lead Manchester United out for the first time at Old Trafford against Swansea City on the opening day of the 2014/15 season while Liverpool will get their campaign off and running against Ronald Koeman's Southampton at Anfield on the weekend beginning 16 August.

Newly promoted Burnley will host Jose Mourinho's Chelsea at Turf Moor while Arsenal welcome Crystal Palace to the Emirates. After beating their London rivals on three occasions last season, West Ham United will host Tottenham Hotspur, while Queens Park Rangers recommence Premier League life at home to Hull City.

Leicester City also mark their return to the top flight on their own turf, hosting Roberto Martinez's Everton.

Manuel Pellegrini's side face a daunting opening two months of their campaign, facing Liverpool (H), Arsenal (A) and Chelsea (H) in their first five games of the season. The first Manchester derby of the campaign will take place at the Etihad on 1 November.

Liverpool also face a stern start to the season with a visit to Tottenham Hotspur to follow their trip to the Etihad before the first Merseyside derby of the season at Anfield on 27 September.

Van Gaal will be hoping to pick up early points as he begins life in the Premier League against all three of the newly promoted clubs within his first five games in charge, with their first real test coming against Everton on 4 October.

Chelsea host Leicester in their first home game of the season and visit the champions on 20 September, before hosting Arsenal on 4 October.

The final day of the season on 24 May sees City host Southampton, Chelsea take on Sunderland at Stamford Bridge, United visit Hull and Liverpool away to Stoke.